Game system and method of controlling games

ABSTRACT

A game system  1  includes a game table  3  and a plurality of stations  2 . The game table  3  has a game server  31 . Card games are conducted on the game table  3  by a dealer M. The stations  2  are connected via a network to the game server  31 . With the acceptance of a game start operation from a player, a CPU  51  of each of the stations  2  transmits bet information to the game server  31 , and receives image information video-recorded by a camera  17  and card information recognized by the sensor  18 , the information being transmitted from the game server  31 . The CPU  51  makes an image of the dealer M displayed on a liquid crystal display  10 , based upon the received image information, and awards the players bet on a winner hand with a payout according to the outcomes of the game based on the received card information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a game system and a method of controlling games.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, table games have been known in which players play card games including poker, blackjack, and baccarat at gaming facilities such as casinos. The experience of playing games against a dealer with the actual use of chips is one of the most attractiveness of such table games for the players.

The conventional table games include live games or video games. Players play against a live dealer in the live games, and against a virtual dealer displayed on a video display in the video games. The video game runs on a game program which makes an image of a virtual dealer displayed on a video display to deal cards and handle chips, so the players feel that they are playing against a live dealer.

Such video table game is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Serial No. 2005/0035548. The disclosed table game includes a video display and a plurality of player stations. A virtual dealer and virtual cards used in the game are displayed on the video display. Player stations are disposed integrally around a dealer table for accepting game start operation including betting by players. Players at the player stations play card games against a virtual dealer displayed on the video display. The cards are automatically shuffled by a computer. The virtual dealer deals cards on the dealer table as if a live dealer does so.

In conventional game systems, the number of player stations for a game table could not be increased due to spatial restriction on gaming facilities. Thus, the number of players that can participate in the game conducted on the game table has been limited.

In view of the aforementioned problem, an object of the invention is to provide a game system and a method of controlling games in which any number of players can participate in the games conducted on a game table with no spatial restriction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention is a game system, which includes: (a) a game table for conducting games; (b) a plurality of stations connected to the game table via a network, for accepting game start operation from a plurality of players; and (c) a controller. The controller (i) receives the game start operation from at least one of the stations; (ii) with the acceptance of the game start operation, executes game start processing at the game table; (iii) transmits a status and an outcome of the game conducted on the game table to a station from which the game start operation was accepted; and (iv) awards the players with a given payout from the station according to the received outcome of the game.

According to the first aspect of the invention, since being connected to a game table via a network, the player stations can be located anywhere, including remote places other than gaming facilities. Thus, the spatial restriction on gaming facilities is alleviated. Also, any number of players may participate in the games conducted on a game table.

A second aspect of the invention is a game system which includes: (a) a game table for a player to play a game against a dealer; (b) a plurality of stations connected to the game table via a network, for accepting game start operation from a plurality of players; (c) a camera for video-recording the dealer; (d) a display provided at each of the stations, for displaying images involved in the game; and (e) a controller. The controller (i) receives the game start operation from at least one of the stations; (ii) with the acceptance of the game start operation, executes game start processing at the game table; (iii) records the dealer with the camera; (iv) transmits a status of the game conducted on the game table and the image information of the dealer video-recorded by the camera to a station from which the game start operation was accepted; (v) displays the image of the dealer on the display of the station based on the received image information of the dealer; and (vi) causes the player to conduct the game on the display of the station based on the received status of the game, and awards the players with a given payout from the station based upon the outcome of the game.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the network connection of each player station to the game table on which games are conducted against a live dealer allows the players to play games against a live dealer from the stations. Also, any number of players may participate in the games conducted on a game table with reduced spatial restriction on gaming facilities. On the display provided at the stations, an image of the dealer video-recorded by the camera at the game table is displayed on a real-time basis. Thus, the players can play games while viewing the dealer conducting the games on the game table.

A third aspect of the invention is a game system, which includes: (a) a game table for a player to play a card game against a dealer; (b) a plurality of stations connected via a network to the game table for accepting start operation of a card game from a plurality of players; (c) a camera for video-recording the dealer; (d) a sensor for recognizing cards dealt on the game table; (e) a display provided at each of the stations, for displaying images involved in the card game; and (f) a controller. The controller (i) receives the start operation of the card game from at least one of the stations; (ii) with the acceptance of the start operation of the card game, executes card game start processing at the game table; (iii) records the dealer by the camera; (iv) recognizes the cards dealt on the game table by the sensor; (v) transmits a status of the card game conducted on the game table, information involved in the cards recognized by the sensor, and the image information of the dealer video-recorded by the camera to a station from which the start operation of the card game was accepted; (vi) displays the image of the dealer on the display of the station based on the received image information of the dealer; and (vii) causes the player to conduct the card game on the display of the station based on the received information of the cards, and awards the players with a given payout from the station based upon the outcome of the game.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the network connection of each player station to the game table on which card games are conducted against a live dealer allows the players to play card games against a live dealer from the stations. Also, any number of players may participate in the card game conducted on a game table with reduced spatial restriction on gaming facilities. The cards dealt on the game table by the dealer are recognized by the sensor provided at the game table and the obtained card information is transmitted to the stations. This facilitates efficient process of the card games. The players may have improved reliability for the games. On the display provided at the stations, an image of the dealer video-recorded by the camera at the game table is displayed on a real-time basis. Thus, the players can play games while viewing the dealer conducting the games on the game table. Thus, the games may have improved realism in comparison with those with a display of computer-generated virtual images, not a live dealer.

A fourth aspect of the invention is a method of controlling games, which includes: (a) receiving the game start operation from at least one of a plurality of stations connected via a network to a game table on which a game is conducted; (b) with the acceptance of the game start operation, executing game start processing at the game table; (c) transmitting a status and an outcome of the game conducted on the game table to a station from which the game start operation was accepted; and (d) awarding the players with a given payout from the station based on the received outcome of the game.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the network connection of each player station to the game table allows the player stations to be located anywhere, including remote places other than gaming facilities. Thus, spatial restriction on gaming facilities can be alleviated. Also, any number of players may participate in the games to be conducted on the game table.

A fifth aspect of the invention is a method of controlling games, which includes: (a) receiving game start operation from at least one of a plurality of stations connected via a network to a game table for conducting a game against a dealer; (b) with the acceptance of the game start operation, executing game start processing at the game table; (c) displaying images involved in the game on the display of the station; (d) video-recording the dealer with the camera; (e) transmitting a status of the game conducted on the game table and the image information of the dealer video-recorded by the camera to a station from which the game start operation was accepted; (f) displaying the image of the dealer on the display of the station based on the received image information of the dealer; and (g) conducting the game on the display of the station based on the received status of the game, and awarding the players with a given payout from the station based on an outcome of the game.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the network connection of each player station to the game table on which games are conducted against a live dealer allows the players to play games against a live dealer from the stations. Also, any number of players may participate in the games conducted on a game table with reduced spatial restriction on gaming facilities. On the display provided at the stations, an image of the dealer video-recorded by the camera at the game table is displayed on a real-time basis. Thus, the players can play games while viewing the dealer conducting the game on the game table. Thus, the games may have improved realism in comparison with those with a display of computer-generated virtual images, not a live dealer.

A sixth aspect of the invention is a method of controlling games, which includes: (a) receiving start operation of a card game from at least one of a plurality of stations connected via a network to a game table for conducting a card game against a dealer; (b) with the acceptance of the start operation of the card game, executing card game start processing at the game table; (c) displaying the image involved in the card game on the displays of the stations; (d) video-recording the dealer by the camera; (e) recognizing the cards dealt on the game table by the sensor; (f) transmitting a status of the card game conducted on the game table, information involved in the cards recognized by the sensor, and the image information of the dealer video-recorded by the camera to a station from which the start operation of the card game was accepted; (g) displaying the image of the dealer on the display of the station based on the received image information of the dealer; and (h) causing the card game to be conducted on the display of the station based on the received information of the cards, and awarding the players with a given payout from the station based on an outcome of the card game.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the network connection of each player station to the game table on which games are conducted against a live dealer allows the players to play games against a live dealer from the stations. Also, any number of players may participate in the games conducted on a game table with reduced spatial restriction on gaming facilities. The cards dealer dealt on the game table are recognized by the sensor provided on the game table and the obtained card information is transmitted to the stations. This facilitates efficient process of the card games. Players may have improved reliability for the games. On the display provided at the stations, an image of the dealer video-recorded by the camera at the game table is displayed on a real-time basis. Thus, the players can play games while viewing the dealer conducting the game on the game table. Thus, the games may have improved realism in comparison with those with a display of computer-generated virtual images, not a live dealer.

According to the game system and the method of controlling games of the invention, any number of players may participate in the games conducted on a game table with no spatial restriction on gaming facilities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external view of a whole game system according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an external view of a station;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a control system of the game system;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a control system of the station;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a screen displayed on a liquid crystal display of the station;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a procedure for operation of the game system; and

FIG. 7 is an external view of a whole game system according to another embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Best modes for implementing a gaming machine of the invention will be described below.

(Description of Whole Game System)

A game system 1 of the present embodiment is a multi-player gaming machine. The game system 1 includes a game table 3 and a plurality of stations 2A to 2E. The game table 3 has a game server 31. Card games are conducted on the game table 3 by a live dealer M. The stations 2A to 2E are connected to the game server 31 of the game table 3 via a network 100. Each of the stations 2A to 2E has a liquid crystal display 10. The game table 3 includes a camera 17 and a sensor 18. The camera 17 is intended for video-recording the dealer M as an opponent of the players. The sensor 18 recognizes cards C dealt on the game table 3 by the dealer M. Each of the stations 2A to 2E includes a CPU 51.

Upon the acceptance of a game start operation from a player, the CPU 51 of each of the stations 2A to 2E transmits bet information (including a betting target and a bet amount) to the game server 31. The stations 2A to 2E also receive information transmitted from the game server 31, including image information of the dealer M video-recorded by the camera 17, card information of each card C recognized by the sensor 18, and game status information.

The CPU 51 of each of the stations 2A to 2E causes the liquid crystal display 10 to display the images of the dealer M based upon the image information of the dealer M received from the game server 31. The CPU 51 awards winner players in accordance with the outcome of the game that is based on the received card information.

(Configuration of Game System)

Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic configuration of the game system 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is an external view of a whole game system according to an embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes multiple (five in this example) stations 2A to 2E at which players play games, and a game table 3 on which a live dealer M conducts card games as an opponent of the players. The whole game system 1 is controlled by the game server 31 described later.

Each of the stations 2A to 2E is connected to the game table 3 via a network 100. The stations 2A to 2E and the game table 3 may be located at the same gaming facility (e.g., in a casino hall). Alternatively, the game table 3 may be located in a gaming facility, and the stations 2A to 2E may be located in other gaming facilities or non-gaming facilities (e.g., hotel lobbies, hotel rooms, bar counters, or private rooms). Each of the stations 2A to 2E may also be located in separate places. Players may participate in the live games conducted on the game table 3 located at the gaming facilities via the remotely-located stations 2A to 2E.

The game system 1 is a multi-player gaming machine for conducting a card game called “baccarat”. Each player guesses the outcome of the game conducted on the game table 3 from the stations 2A to 2E. Then each player bets on either of the betting targets, such as “Player” or “Banker” with the use of chips. The dealer M deals a few (two or three) cards to form Player's hand and Banker's hand on the game table 3. Of the two hands dealt, the one having a total value closest to 9 wins. According to the outcome of the game, the players having bet the winner hand are awarded (e.g., paid double the bet amount) from the stations 2A to 2E.

Betting is done with chips, coins, bills or electronic valuable information (i.e., credit) equivalent thereto, as well as medals, tokens, electronic money, and tickets.

The stations 2A to 2E are connected to the game table 3 via the network 100. The stations 2A to 2E are disposed in a fan-like shape.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the stations 2A to 2E will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is an external view of a station according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the station includes a liquid crystal display (i.e., display) 10, a touch panel 11, operational buttons 12, a coin inlet 13, a bill inlet 14, a coin payout opening 15, and a speaker 16.

The liquid crystal display 10 includes a screen (see FIG. 5) having a dealer display area, a card display area, and a bet operation area, described later. A player selects a betting target from those displayed on the bet operation area or inputs a bet amount using buttons displayed on the liquid crystal display 10 through the touch panel 11. When the player makes operation in the bet operation area through the touch panel 11, the station accepts a game start operation.

When betting is placed for the game, the game start operation is accepted. When the player puts coins into the coin inlet 13 for a direct betting, the bet operation is accepted. Alternatively, as described below, the coins put into the coin inlet 13 may be temporarily credited, and the credited coins may be used for betting when the player operates a BET button or a maximum BET button in the bet area. In the latter case, when the credited coins are used for betting, the bet operation is accepted.

The player conducts a payout operation with the use of the operational buttons 12. The player puts coins or medals in the coin inlet 13 or puts bills in the bill inlet 14. Coins or medals corresponding to the credit retained at the time of payout are paid out through the coin payout opening 15. Effect sounds and music are output from the speaker 16.

Turning again to FIG. 1, the game table 3 will be described. The game table 3 constitutes a table on which cards C and chips T are dealt by the dealer M. The game table 3 is provided with the camera 17, the sensor 18, and the microphone 19. The game table 3 preferably includes a display (not shown) on which the bet information, such as the betting target and the bet amount selected at the stations 2A to 2E, and information of the players participating in the game are displayed. The dealer M may input data such as outcomes of the game through the display.

Cards C are trump cards made up of plural types of cards (such as cards with alphabets or numbers, or face cards). Each of the cards C includes an embedded IC tag having card information recorded therein. The dealer M handles the chips T to create a visual effect so as to make the scene alive. The chips T are placed either in a “Player” circle or a “Banker” circle on the game table 3.

The camera 17 is a video camera which is disposed on a movable leg portion 17A provided at the game table 3. The camera 17 is intended for video-recording the dealer M conducting the card games on the game table 3, the cards C and the chips T on the game table 3, as well as ambient surrounding of the game table 3. The leg portion 17A is moved as the game goes on to take the objects from different angles. Motion images of the dealer M recorded by the camera 17 are transmitted to the stations 2A to 2E via the network 100 on a real-time basis. The pictures are displayed on the liquid crystal display 10 of each station as image information of the dealer M. Any number of cameras 17 may be provided at any position.

The sensor 18 is capable of reading information recorded on the IC tag. The sensor 18 is provided near the Player's hand and the Banker's hand on the game table 3 on which the dealer M distributes cards. The sensor 18 reads the card information recorded on the IC tag embedded in the card C dealt on the game table 3. The card information is employed for recognizing the cards C. The card information of the cards C recognized by the sensor 18 is transmitted to the stations 2A to 2E via the network 100. The card information is employed as the information concerning the outcome of the game.

The microphone 19 is disposed at an end of the game table 3 opposite to the end at which the leg portion 17A is provided. The microphone 19 collects a voice of the dealer M, sounds of the dealer M dealing the cards C or placing the chips T, music and effect sounds played in the gaming place, and sounds of audience. The sound collected through the microphone 19 is transmitted to the stations 2A to 2E via the network 100 to be output from the speaker 16.

Next, referring to FIG. 3, a control system configuration of the game system 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a control system of the game system according to an embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game system 1 includes the game server 31 (see FIG. 1) provided at the game table 3, the stations 2A to 2E connected via a network to the game server 31 for data exchange with the game server 31, and various types of peripherals.

The game server 31 includes a microcomputer 45 as a main component. The microcomputer 45 includes a CPU 41, a RAM 42, a ROM 43, and a bus 44 for data transfer among the CPU 41, the RAM 42, and the ROM 43. The game server 31 includes an image processing circuit 47, a sensor circuit 48, an audio circuit 49, and a communication interface 50. The image processing circuit 47, the sensor circuit 48, the audio circuit 49, and the communication interface 50 are connected to the CPU 41 via an I/O interface 46.

The CPU 41 operates in accordance with a predetermined program of the game system. The CPU 41 inputs/outputs signals among other components via the I/O interface 46 to control operation of whole game server 31.

RAM 42 is a memory for temporarily storing various data computed at the CPU 41. Various programs and data tables required for controlling the game system 1 are stored in the ROM 43.

The image processing circuit 47 is connected to the camera 17 to process images of dealer M captured by the camera 17. The sensor circuit 48 is connected to the sensor 18 to process the card information of card C read by the sensor 18. The audio circuit 49 is connected to the microphone 19 to process the audios collected through the microphone 19.

The communication interface 50 is connected to the stations 2A to 2E via the network 100 for transmitting/receiving data between the game server 31 and the stations 2A to 2E, in accordance with instructions from the CPU 41.

With the thus-configured control system, the CPU 41 transmits the game-involved information to the stations 2A to 2E via the network 100 on a real-time basis. The game-related information includes the image information of the dealer M processed at the image processing circuit 47, the card information processed at the sensor circuit 48, the sound information processed at the audio circuit 49, and the information relating to the status and the outcome of the card games. The information concerning the outcome of the game is win-loss information in which either the Banker's hand or either the Player's hand is declared as the winner hand by the CPU 41 according to the card information read by the sensor 18.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, a control system configuration of the stations 2A to 2E will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a control system of the station according to an embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, each of the stations 2A to 2E includes a microcomputer 55 as a main component. The microcomputer 55 includes a CPU 51, a RAM 52, and a ROM 53 together functioning as a controller, and a bus 54 for data transfer among the CPU 51, the RAM 52, and the ROM 53. Each of the stations 2A to 2E includes a liquid crystal panel drive circuit 57, a touch panel drive circuit 58, a hopper drive circuit 59, a payout completion signal circuit 60, an audio circuit 61, and a communication interface 62. The liquid crystal panel drive circuit 57, the touch panel drive circuit 58, the hopper drive circuit 59, the payout completion signal circuit 60, the audio circuit 61, and the communication interface 62 are connected to the CPU 51 via an I/O interface 56.

The CPU 51 operates according to a certain program. The CPU 51 inputs/outputs signals among other components via the I/O interface 56 to control operation of whole station 2.

The RAM 52 is a memory for temporarily storing the credit numbers retained in the station 2, the betting target such as the Banker's hand or the Player's hand, and the bet amount, award magnification, and various data computed at the CPU 51. Various programs and data tables required for controlling the game system 1 are stored in the ROM 53.

The liquid crystal panel drive circuit 57 is connected to the liquid crystal display 10. The touch panel drive circuit 58 is connected to the touch panel 11. The hopper drive circuit 59 is connected to the hopper 63. The payout completion signal circuit 60 is connected to the coin detecting unit 64. The audio circuit 61 is connected to the speaker 16.

The communication interface 62 is connected via a network to the game server 31 for transmitting/receiving data between each of stations 2A to 2E and the game server 31 according to instructions from the CPU 51.

With the thus-configured control system, the CPU 51 recognizes the player's betting target (Banker's hand or Player's hand) and computes the bet amount (i.e., credit numbers) according to the operational information output from the touch panel 11. Then, the CPU 51 stores the bet information including the betting target and the bet amount on an information storage area of the RAM 52, and transmits the same information to the game server 31. The CPU 51 allows the players to participate in the card games conducted on the game table 3 from the stations 2A to 2E.

CPU 51 receives various types of information from the game server 31 via the network 100. The information includes the image information of dealer M video-recorded by the camera 17, the card information recognized by the sensor 18, the sound information such as music collected through the microphone 19, and the game-involved information including status and outcomes of the game. The CPU 51 then outputs image signals of the dealer M on the liquid crystal display 10 according to the image information of the dealer M received from the game server 31. The CPU 51 also outputs, from the speaker 16, audio signals including music generated at the game table 3 according to the received sound information.

The CPU 51 processes the card game according to the card information (i.e., dealer card information) received from the game server 31, the player bet information, and the card information. The CPU 51 then conducts awarding processing based upon the outcome of the card game. The awarding processing herein includes paying of coins out of the coin payout opening 15 via the hopper 63 and the coin detecting unit 64. The CPU 51 makes the image signals of the cards C displayed on the liquid crystal display 10 according to the card information received from the game server 31.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, a configuration of a screen 70 displayed on each of liquid crystal displays 10 of the stations 2A to 2E will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a screen displayed on a liquid crystal display of the station according to an embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the screen 70 displayed on the liquid crystal display 10 has a dealer display area 70A, a card display area 70B, and a bet operation area 70C.

The images of the dealer M and the cards C video-recorded by the camera 17 at the game table 3 are displayed on the dealer display area 70A on a real-time basis. This allows the players to play card games while viewing, through the dealer display area 70A of the liquid crystal display 10, the facial expression of the dealer M conducting the card game or the hands of the dealer M dealing the cards C on the game table 3. Since video-recording positions of the camera 17 are automatically changed according to the game status, the images of the dealer M taken from various angles are displayed on the dealer display area 70A. An operating unit may be provided at each of the stations 2A to 2E for allowing the players to change the recording positions of the camera 17. By operating the operating unit, the players may have the images of the dealer M recorded from angles ideal to him/her displayed on the dealer display area 70A.

The card display area 70B includes a Banker's hand display unit and a Player's hand display unit. Images of the cards C recognized by the sensor 18 are displayed on the card display area 70B on a real-time basis. Players can recognize the cards C dealt to the Player's hand or the Banker's hand via the card display area 70B. The CPU 51 looks up the card information stored on the RAM 52 based on the card information transmitted from the game server 31. The CPU 51 displays the images of the cards C in the card display area 70B. The images of the cards C captured by the camera 17 may be directly displayed in an enlarged manner in the card display area 70B.

The bet operation area 70C includes a main display unit 71, a timer display unit 72, a comment display unit 73, and an information display unit 74. The available betting target and the bet amount are displayed on the main display unit 71. A betting period before expiration is displayed on the timer display unit 72. A balance of the credits bet on the betting targets and the pertinent comments are displayed on the comment display unit 73. The current status and outcomes of the game are displayed on the information display unit 74.

The main display unit 71 includes area buttons 81 and 82, and bet buttons 83 to 87. A player determines the betting target with the area buttons 81 and 82 and determines the bet amount with the bet buttons 83 to 87. The player may operate the area buttons 81 and 82, and the bet buttons 83 to 87 via the touch panel 11. The area button 81 is used for selecting Banker as the betting target and the area button 82 is used for selecting Player as the betting target. The bet buttons 83 to 87 are used for adding credit of 1, 5, 10, 25, or 100. The award magnification is displayed to the right of the area buttons 81 and 82. If the players have bet on the winner hand, coins of the number obtained by multiplying the bet amount by the award magnification are paid out.

A balance of the sum of the bet amount (credit numbers) on the Banker's hand and the sum of the bet amount (credit numbers) on the Player's hand at the time of expiration of the bet period are numerically displayed on the comment display unit 73. If the balance is smaller than 200 credits, which is required for starting a game, a comment for inducing the player to re-operate the betting saying “change betting target or bet amount” is displayed on the comment display unit 73.

The dealer display area 70A, the card display area 70B, and the bet operation area 70C may be displayed on the screen 70 in any possible layouts or manners. For example, the dealer display area 70A may be displayed in an enlarged manner on the screen 70 while the card display area 70B and the bet operation area 70C are omitted. In addition to the dealer display area 70A, the card display area 70B, and the bet operation area 70C, the screen 70 may include a rule area, in which a rule of the game is displayed, and a player area in which the images and the information of the players participating in the game at each station 2 are displayed.

(Operation of Game System)

Referring now to FIG. 6, a control process of the game system 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a procedure for operation of a game system according to an embodiment of the invention. The game system 1 is processed by the CPU 41 executing programs stored in the ROM 43, and the CPU 51 executing programs stored in the ROM 53.

(Procedure for Operation of Game Server)

First, referring to FIG. 6, a procedure for operation executed on the CPU 41 will be described. At step S1, the CPU 41 transmits, to each of the stations 2A to 2E, an instruction for starting the bet period during which the bet operation of each player is accepted.

At step S2, the CPU 41 receives bet information transmitted from each of the stations 2A to 2E. The bet information includes information concerning the betting target (“Banker” or “Player”) and the bet amount (credit number).

At step S3, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a game start condition is satisfied. The game start condition is satisfied when the bet information is received from at least one of the stations 2A to 2E and the bet period expires. If the determination at step S3 is negative (step S3: NO), the routine returns to step S1 where it repeatedly transmits the start instruction of the bet period. If the determination at step S3 is affirmative (step S3: YES), the routine proceeds to step S4.

At step S4, the CPU 41 executes the game start processing. The game start processing includes displaying a game start instruction on a display or outputting music from a speaker to instruct the dealer M to start the game. When the game start instruction is given, the dealer M places chips corresponding to the bet amount of each player on a circle of the betting target on the game table 3 to create a visual effect.

At step S5, the CPU 41 begins video-recording of the dealer M by means of the camera 17 and collecting of audios by means of the microphone 19.

At step S6, the CPU 41 continues transmitting the image information of the dealer M video-recorded by the camera 17, the audio information collected with the microphone 19, and the status information of the game conducted on the game table 3 to the stations 2A to 2E.

At step S7, the CPU 41 controls the sensor 18 to recognize the cards C dealt to the Banker's hand and the Player's hand on the game table 3. The sensor 18 recognizes the cards C by reading the IC tag embedded in the cards C.

At step S8, the CPU 41 transmits the card information of the cards C read by the sensor 18 to the stations 2A to 2E.

At step 9, the CPU 41 executes a game completion processing. The processing includes displaying a game completion instruction on the display or outputting/stopping music from the speaker to instruct the dealer M to complete the game. The game completion processing includes stopping video-recording of the dealer M by means of the camera 17 or collecting sounds by means of the microphone 19. When the game completion instruction is given, the dealer M places a predetermined amount of chips as an award to the players bet on the winner hand on a circle of the betting target on the game table 3 to create a visual effect.

(Procedure for Operation of Stations)

Next, referring to FIG. 6, a procedure for operation executed on the CPU 51 of each of the stations 2A to 2E will be described. At step S101, the CPU 51 receives starting instruction of the bet period from the game server 31.

At step S102, the CPU 51 starts accepting the bet operation from the players. The bet operation is accepted when the bet operation area 70C is displayed on the liquid crystal display 10, and the betting target (“Banker” or “Player”) and the bet amount (credit amount) selected by the player via the touch panel 11 are recognized.

At step S103, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the bet period expires. In particular, the CPU 51 determines if a predetermined time (e.g., 200 sec) has been elapsed since the acceptance of the bet operation is begun at step S102. If the determination at step S103 is negative (step S103: NO), the routine returns to step S102 where the acceptance of the bet operation is continued, and if the determination at step S103 is affirmative (step S103: YES), the routine proceeds to step S104.

At step S104, the CPU 51 stores the bet information including the betting target and the bet amount on the bet information storage area of the RAM 52.

At step S105, the CPU 51 transmits the bet information stored in the bet information storage area of the RAM 52 to the game server 31.

At step S106, the CPU 51 receives, from the game server 31, the image information of the dealer M video-recorded by the camera 17, the sound information collected through the microphone 19, and the status information of the game conducted on the game table 3.

At step S107, the CPU 51 causes the image of the dealer M to be displayed in the dealer display area 70A of the liquid crystal display 10 according to the received image information of the dealer M. The CPU 51 outputs music according to the received sound information to the speaker 16. The CPU 51 also causes the current game status according to the received game status information to be displayed on the information display unit 74 of the liquid crystal display 10.

At step S108, the CPU 51 receives, from the game server 31, the card information of the cards C read by the sensor 18.

At step S109, the CPU 51 processes the card game according to the card information (dealer card information) received from the game server 31, the player bet information, and the card information. The CPU 51 displays the images of the cards C dealt on the game table 3 on the Banker's hand display unit and the Player's hand display unit in the card display area 70B of the liquid crystal display 10 according to the card information.

At step S110, the CPU 51 conducts awarding processing according to the outcome of the card game conducted at step S109. The awarding processing includes awarding the player who has bet the winner hand with a predetermined amount of credits. The predetermined amount of credits as an award corresponds to the credit amount obtained from the bet amount (credit number) bet on the winner hand and the award magnification.

While five stations 2A to 2E are connected to the game table 3 in the foregoing embodiment, any number of stations may be provided. The number of stations may also be increased in a manner illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is an external view of a whole game system according to another embodiment of the invention. Five stations 2A to 2E may be remotely located and another five stations 2F to 2J may be provided integrally with the game table 3. The number of players may further be increased in this manner.

While, in the foregoing embodiments, the players play games at the stations 2A to 2E, the invention is not limitative thereto. The players may alternatively play games at the game table 3 as in conventional table games.

While, in the foregoing embodiment, when the players select the betting target and the bet amount via the liquid crystal display 10 and the touch panel 11, the game start operation from the players are accepted, the invention is not limitative thereto. When the player operates a game start operation button provided at each station, or alternatively, when a player staying at the station for a certain period of time is detected by an infrared sensor provided at each station, the game start operation may be accepted.

In the game system 1 according to the above-described embodiments has been described with reference to a gaming machine for conducting a card game called “baccarat”. The invention, however, is not limitative thereto, and may also be applicable to poker and blackjack. Moreover, the game system 1 is not limitative to conducting card games. The game system 1 may conduct games with the absence of a dealer. For example, the game table 3 may be provided with roulette and a plurality of players may play roulette games from the stations 2.

In the game system 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the game table 3 has the camera 17 for video-recording the dealer M, and the sensor 18 for reading the IC tag attached to the cards C. The invention, however, is not limitative thereto. The game table 3 may include neither camera 17 nor sensor 18. If the dealer and the cards are virtual, not a live dealer M or cards C, and displayed on the display provided integrally with the game table 3, the game table 3 may include neither camera 17 nor sensor 18. If the sensor 18 is not provided in the game system 1, the outcome of the game is preferably transmitted to the stations by the dealer M operating an operational button on the display.

While, in game system 1 of the above-described embodiments, the dealer M was described as a real human dealer, the invention is not limitative thereto. The dealer M may be a mechanical dealer including a robot.

Although the invention has been described in its preferred form, it is understood that the game system and the method of controlling games according to the invention are not limitative thereto. Rather, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention defined by the following claims. 

1. A game system, comprising: (a) a game table for conducting games; (b) a plurality of stations connected via a network to the game table for accepting game start operation from a plurality of players; and (c) a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: (i) receive the game start operation from at least one of the stations; (ii) with the acceptance of the game start operation, execute game start processing at the game table; (iii) transmit a status and an outcome of the game conducted on the game table to a station from which the game start operation was accepted; and (iv) award the players with a given payout from the station according to the received outcome of the game.
 2. The game system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of stations provided integrally with the game table, for accepting game start operation from the players.
 3. A game system, comprising: (a) a game table for a player to play a game against a dealer; (b) a plurality of stations connected via a network to the game table for accepting game start operation from a plurality of players; (c) a camera for video-recording the dealer; (d) a display provided at each of the stations for displaying images involved in the game; and (e) a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: (i) receive the game start operation from at least one of the stations; (ii) with the acceptance of the game start operation, execute game start processing at the game table; (iii) record the dealer with the camera; (iv) transmit a status of the game conducted on the game table and the image information of the dealer video-recorded by the camera to a station from which the game start operation was accepted; (v) display the image of the dealer on the display of the station based on the received image information of the dealer; and (vi) cause the player to conduct the game on the display of the station based on the received status of the game, and awards the players with a given payout from the station according to the outcome of the game.
 4. The game system according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality of stations provided integrally with the game table, for accepting game start operation from the players.
 5. A game system, comprising: (a) a game table for a player to play a card game against a dealer; (b) a plurality of stations connected via a network to the game table, for accepting start operation of a card game from a plurality of players; (c) a camera for video-recording the dealer; (d) a sensor for recognizing cards dealt on the game table; (e) a display provided at each of the stations for displaying images involved in the card game; and (f) a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: (i) receive the start operation of the card game from at least one of the stations; (ii) with the acceptance of the start operation of the card game, execute card game start processing at the game table; (iii) record the dealer with the camera; (iv) recognize the cards dealt on the game table by the sensor; (v) transmit a status of the card game conducted on the game table, information concerning the cards recognized by the sensor, and the image information of the dealer video-recorded by the camera to a station from which the start operation of the card game was accepted; (vi) display the image of the dealer on the display of the station based on the received image information of the dealer; and (vii) cause the player to conduct the card game on the display of the station based on the received information of the cards, and award the players with a given payout from the station according to the outcome of the game.
 6. The game system according to claim 5, further comprising a plurality of stations provided integrally with the game table for accepting game start operation from the players.
 7. A method of controlling games, comprising: (a) receiving the game start operation from at least one of a plurality of stations connected via a network to a game table on which a game is conducted; (b) with the acceptance of the game start operation, executing game start processing at the game table; (c) transmitting a status and an outcome of the game conducted on the game table to a station from which the game start operation was accepted; and (d) awarding the players with a given payout from the station based on the received outcome of the game.
 8. A method of controlling games, comprising: (a) receiving game start operation from at least one of a plurality of stations connected via a network to a game table on which a game is conducted against a dealer; (b) with the acceptance of the game start operation, executing game start processing at the game table; (c) displaying images involved in the game on the display of the station; (d) video-recording the dealer with the camera; (e) transmitting a status of the game conducted on the game table and the image information of the dealer video-recorded by the camera to a station from which the game start operation was accepted; (f) displaying the image of the dealer on the display of the station based on the received image information of the dealer; and (g) conducting the game on the display of the station based on the received status of the game, and awarding the players with a given payout from the station based on an outcome of the game.
 9. A method of controlling games, comprising: (a) receiving start operation of a card game from at least one of a plurality of stations connected via a network to a game table on which a card game is conducted against a dealer; (b) with the acceptance of the start operation of the card game, executing card game start processing at the game table; (c) displaying the image involved in the card game on the display of the station; (d) video-recording the dealer by the camera; (e) recognizing the cards dealt on the game table by the sensor; (f) transmitting status of the card game conducted on the game table, information involved in the cards recognized by the sensor, and the image information of the dealer video-recorded by the camera to a station from which the start operation of the card game was accepted; (g) displaying the image of the dealer on the display of the station based on the received image information of the dealer; and (h) conducting the card game on the display of the station based on the received information of the cards, and awarding the players with a given payout from the station based on an outcome of the card game. 